How to Choose The Best Swim School

Choosing a swim program can be an overwhelming task. From gym pools to rec pools to aquatic clubs to group lessons and private swim lessons, the options seem endless. Just how exactly can you be sure you choose the right one for you? This guide will help you do exactly that.

Step 1: Devetermine Your Goals

The first step in determining the right swim school for you is setting your goals. Ask yourself, "What is it I'm looking to achieve through the swim program?" Rather you're looking to learn to swim, become water-safe or just develop a healthy respect for the element, having your goals in mind is essential before you can effectively evaluate if what a swim school is offering is right for you.

After You Determine Your Goals, It's Time to Weigh High Priority Considerations

• The Student - After deciding on what you would like to accomplish with swim lessons, the most important consideration in choosing the correct swim program is the student. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to swim lessons. While some may thrive in a group or competitive environment, others may be uncomfortable learning a new skill around others. Deciding whether the student would benefit from group lessons or private lessons is a decision only you best can make.
• Cost/Time - Next in line in considerations is cost and time. On a sliding scale of cost per lesson, group lessons tend to be on the less expensive side, while more privatized lessons can cost more. Meaning the larger the group, the less expensive the per lesson cost, and the smaller the group, the higher per lesson cost. On a tighter budget, group lessons' lower upfront costs are often appealing. However, if your goal of swim lessons is to learn how to swim, the actual cost of group lessons can far exceed the cost of private lessons. Consider the fact that in group lessons, the instructor's time is split among all students in the water. In private lessons, the student receives focused, one-on-one attention and as a result advances at a much quicker rate.
• Scheduling - After you've decided your goals, budget and timeline, you'll want to consider at what time and frequency your swim lessons take place. You may find a swim school that meets your cost and timeline criteria. However, ask yourself if that program fits well in your and your child's schedule. For example, you don't want to have to your child take swim lessons around his/hers nap or lunch time. Sleepy/hungry students are not in the condition to learn a vigorous exercise.
• Learning Environment - Finally, after you've decided your goals, budget, timeline and schedule, Sue Mackie, executive chair of the United States Swim School Association, suggests visiting three swim programs and observing the lessons and facility before committing to one. Note how the instructor responds to the children and the level of attention each child receives. Also pay close attention to the cleanliness and maintenance of the facility. Since swim schools can have dozens of young students who share the pool and potty accidents happen, swim schools are required to check the water quality at regular intervals in accordance with health regulations. But before you make the trip down to the local program, here are some screening questions to ask to see if the trip is worth your while:

Questions to Ask About Swimming Lessons

Is your swim school authorized by a nationally recognized authority such as the United States Swim School Association (USSSA)?

Swim schools that are certified by a national authority are held to specific standards for safety and best practices. Asking if they're a member of such an organization is a good first gauge of the swim program's quality.

Are your instructors CPR certified? What is your hiring criteria for swim instructors?

It's important to know what qualifications and experience the instructors hold. Different programs have different standards. All of Sunsational Swim School's certified private swim instructors have at least two years of experience teaching swimming lessons, are CPR certified and undergo an extensive federal background check.

How many students are in a group lesson?

Class size should not exceed four students per instructor for beginners/toddlers. More advanced and independent students can participate in a class size of up to 10 students. However, be aware that the instructors time and attention will be split among all students.

What temperature is the pool kept?

For babies and toddlers, a pool temperature between 87 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit is necessary (as this age group lacks the ability to regulate their body temperature). Older students can be in cooler pools. Unless you're participating in vigorous, competitive training, unheated pools should be avoided.

Remember: Being human means we have imperfections, but unlimited potential.

I hope these quick tips can give you motivation to overcome fear and gain confidence in the water. Don’t allow social comparison, lack of experience, age, or past failures to keep you from coming to the pool again and again. Right after safety, my rules in every class is to never say “I can’t do this,” because I know deep down that every single person is able to challenge themselves and see amazing progress and boosts in confidence. Now, go out there and take those challenges with the formidable strength I know you have!

About how long will it take for a student to become a proficient swimmer?

For many, all the hard work and research is about the answer to the above question. Group lessons can take several months or even years to achieve deliver noticable results. We're proud to tell you that Sunsational Swim School is the only swim school to guarantee that our students (kids ages 3 years old and up) will learn to swim within just 12 private swim lessons.

The Sunsational Difference

Sunsational Swim School removes all the hassle, inconvenience and worry usually associated with selecting a swim instruction program to make learning to swim as convenient and accessible as possible.

Sunsational Swim School comes to your pool and works around your schedule. This means you don't have to worry about taking your child to the pool or the class size, and puts you in control over the learning environment. All our instructors are First Aid/CPR certified, have several years experience, and are fully insured! We are so confident in our instructors that we guarantee any child age 3 years or older will learn to swim within just 12 lessons, or additional lessons are free!*

Rather you're looking for beginner swim lessons or expert competitive coaching, we have a Sunsational swim instructor for you. In addition to all the added benefits and convenience of having your swim lessons at your home or any pool of your choice, we guarantee your satisfaction or your money back. If for any reason you are unhappy with your first swim lesson, you are not obligated to finish your lesson package and can cancel for a refund.

Try Sunsational today with the confidence of our satisfaction and learn to swim guarantees! It's so easy you've got nothing to lose but a lot to gain! I know you won't be disappointed.

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